CURTIS, Neb. – Brothers Ethan Aschenbrenner and Tyler Aschenbreener of Scottsbluff were among 105 students recognized for completion of their courses of study recently at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.

The pair graduated with degrees in Agricultural Production Systems during ceremonies held in the virtual world on May 7. Graduation this year went online in response to the ongoing pandemic.

Ethan graduated magna cum laude and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society the international honor society of two-year colleges and academic programs, particularly state colleges and community colleges.

Dalton Keller of Torrington graduated magna cum laude and was named salutatorian for the 2020 graduating class. He majored in animal science and completed a one-year certificate in irrigation technology. He farms with his family in a diverse operation, raising beef cattle and crops.

Diplomas and certificates were presented by NCTA Interim Dean Kelly Bruns. Associate of science, associate of applied science, and program certificates were conferred by University of Nebraska Vice President Mike Boehm.

Academic highlights noted by NCTA Associate Dean Jennifer McConville included 37 of the 105 students graduating with honors, with 18 as members of the academic honorary Phi Theta Kappa.

Valedictorian Alexis Penna graduated summa cum laude in animal science with a perfect 4.0. She owns and operates a diversified farm in Holley, N.Y. While atending NCTA, Penna was a campus resident hall assistant, active in Women in Ag and Aggie Rodeo.

The virtual graduation ceremony may be viewed at ncta.unl.edu/2020. Graduates each received a recorded message specific for them from one of their professors.